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Emotions were flying high outside the Owen County courtroom after the judge handed down his decision. The judge sentenced 18-year-old Travis Raber to 20 years, but suspended five years. The friends and family of 31-year-old Richard Pursel wore t-shirts and buttons calling for justice. They say the judgment is more than fair.

"Justice has really been served."

The tragedy unfolded at the Pines Apartment in Spencer on New Year's Day. Investigators say Raber and his friend 19-year-old Matthew Walker severely beat Pursel while Walker's sister video taped it. After Pursel went home he went into a coma and died a few days later in the hospital. Raber, who appeared in court Tuesday, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery. He admitted to smoking marijuana and taking other drugs before the fight.


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Walker heads to court next month.